AI apprenticeships (2026)
AI apprenticeships in England combine a paid job with training towards a standard set by Skills England.
- Standards listed
- 5
- AI units
- 3
- Where
- England
We list 5 AI or data apprenticeships, from Level 2 to Level 7, and 3 short AI apprenticeship units, with funding as Skills England shows it.
Which AI apprenticeships are there?
| Standard | Level | Duration | Maximum funding | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) data specialistST0763. Open for new starts, being revised | 7 | 24 months, plus assessment | £17,000 | 11 Oct 2026 |
| Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitionerST1512. Open for new starts | 4 | 18 months | £18,000 | 11 Oct 2026 |
| Machine learning engineerST1398. Open for new starts, being revised | 6 | 24 months | £22,000 | 11 Oct 2026 |
| Data technicianST0795. Open for new starts, being revised | 3 | 24 months | £13,000 | 11 Oct 2026 |
| Software and data foundation apprenticeshipFA0005. Approved for delivery | 2 | Typically 8 months, then assessment | £4,000 | 11 Oct 2026 |
What are AI apprenticeship units?
Short, funded units for people already in work. See AI apprenticeship units for the 3 AI units, their level, hours and funding.
How are apprenticeships funded?
- Apprenticeships (England): For employers who don't pay the levy, government pays all training costs for apprentices aged 16 to 24 and 95% for 25 and over (starts from 1 August 2026). New funding rules apply to starts from 1 August 2026. Since 1 January 2026, Level 7 apprenticeships are funded only for younger apprentices.
- Apprenticeship units (England): For employers who don't pay the levy, government funds all unit training and assessment up to the funding rate. Live. The three AI leadership units (AU0009, AU0010 and AU0011) were approved on 21 April 2026, under the funding rules for August 2026 to July 2027.
- Foundation apprenticeships (England): Government; employers can get an incentive payment. Open. The Software and data foundation apprenticeship (FA0005) was approved for delivery on 29 April 2025.
Apprenticeship funding rules on this page are England's. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own apprenticeship systems: see funding by nation.
Questions people ask
Can I do a Level 7 AI apprenticeship if I am over 21?
Usually not with government funding. The rule reads: "From 1 January 2026, Level 7 apprenticeships will only be government-funded for apprentices who, at the start of their apprenticeship training, are either aged 16-21, or aged under 25 and have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan and/or have been, or are, in the care of their local authority." Lower-level AI apprenticeships don't have this age rule.
How much does an AI apprenticeship cost an employer?
For employers who don't pay the levy, government pays all costs for apprentices aged 16 to 24, up to the funding band. For older apprentices: "for employers who do not pay the levy, where the apprentice is aged 25 or over (at the start of their apprenticeship training) the government will contribute 95%."
What is the AI data specialist apprenticeship?
Artificial intelligence (AI) data specialist (ST0763) is a Level 7 standard lasting 24 months, plus assessment, with maximum funding of £17,000. Open for new starts, being revised.
Is there an AI apprenticeship below degree level?
Yes. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner (ST1512) is Level 4, lasts 18 months and has maximum funding of £18,000.
New courses by email: launching soon
We're setting up a newsletter for new courses, price changes and funded intakes. Until it starts, New this week lists every change.